An Engaging Workplace is an Ethical One

To me, the omission is glaring. When the business case for creating an engaging workplace is discussed, a very basic rationale is usually overlooked. While fostering a workplace where respect, integrity, openness, caring, and fairness is profitable…it is simply the right thing to do.

Eight often-cited, well-researched benefits of creating a work culture where people feel happy and engaged are as follows:

1. Improved customer service and loyalty

2. Higher productivity

3. Ability to attract top talent

4. Decreased absenteeism

5. Decreased turnover

6. Decreased risk of adversarial labor-management relations

7. Decreased risks of employee litigation

8. Decreased health care costs

Indeed, these all make good business sense. All have been shown to contribute to increased profitability and growth. I get that these connections to the altar of profit have to be demonstrated. I just wonder why the arguments need to rest solely on a financial connection.

In our lifetime, we will spend more time at work than any other place. Clearly, the workplace is an extremely important environment for our personal and financial well being. Workplaces that empower and inspire benefit workers in many ways beyond the financial. It is time that these benefits – increased job satisfaction, morale, motivation, less stress and better health, to name a few – be allowed to stand on their own. Creating environments where people thrive is simply the right thing to do…oh, and it’ll be more profitable too.

Author: Doug Brockway

Doug never colored within the lines as a child and believes in the healing power of dark chocolate. Despite being allergic to neck ties, he’s passionate about business. A Certified Executive Coach with global experience, he teaches leading edge approaches that help organizations create cultures that drive engagement, productivity and innovation, giving leaders and teams the skills and experience to contribute to the business in high impact ways.

1 Comment

I agree. Another major aspect to respect, integrity, openness, caring and fairness is to acknowledge workers as more than just their workplace personna. Outside of work, some employees are engaged in senior care, in spousal care, in child care and in some cases a mix of these realities.
A family friendly workplace that offers support for people for all aspects of their lives is one that will prosper as staff will know that the company cares and understands.